Evaluation of the New Right perspective

> Blames victims - problems not of their own making - low wages, lack of jobs, financial support

> Value judgements - who is to say fatherless families are inferior. Should everybody fit the nuclear family mould.

> Idealised view of the past - did the 'golden age' ever exist (victorian times still had lone parenthood etc)

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Marxist perspective

The communist manifesto - "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles"

Capitalism = economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and distribution.

Proleteriat exploited by the Bourgeoisie = class system isunequal breeds conflict in society

The family fulfills three roles...(benefit capitalism, not the family)...

> Inheritance of property: capitalist class owns means of production. Brought about patriarchal monogamous nuclear family - Men had to be sure of the paternity of their children so they are the legitimate heirs of property. Woman became 'mere instrument for the production of children'.

> Ideological functions: Justify inequality / mainatin capitalist system. Persuade people that it is fair, acceptable and unchangeable. Socialise children into the idea that hierarchy and inequality are inevitable. Power over children prepares them for capitalist employers. Haven from harsh, exploitive world of capitalism.

> Unit of consumption: 'keeping up with the Joneses' advertising impact / 'pester power' / children who lack latest must haves are stigmatised.

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Feminist Perspective

Liberal feminists - Not yet full gender equality in the family but evidence shows men doing more domestic labour and we tend to socialise daughters and sons equally - similar aspirations.

Radical feminists- men are the source of women's oppression. >Family and marriage are key institutions of patriarchy (unpaid domestic labour, sexual services, threat of violence). Solution is separatism / political lesbianism.